Barça qualifies against a 'First Division' opponent

Unlike Real Madrid, Barça has already reached the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey. Racing, a team meticulously coached by José Alberto López, demonstrated why they are the leaders of the Second Division and a clear contender for promotion back to the First Division. The Cantabrian side, spurred on by their fans, put up a strong fight against a Barcelona team with a rotated squad, who had to work hard to overcome a good opponent (0-2). After a first half in which the home side wove a defensive web as solid as it was difficult to break down, Barça came out of the tunnel with renewed energy, which allowed Ferran Torres, with a great goal set up by Fermín, to put them firmly in control of the tie.

The match started 15 minutes late due to security issues at the entrances. A déjà vu of what happened in Guadalajara in the previous round. And Racing showed from the outset that the match would be anything but easy for Hansi Flick's men. Just two minutes had passed and Joan Garcia already had to clear a ball that had taken a wicked deflection off Gerard Martín. Barça's first real chance came in the seventh minute. A run by Koundé, overlapping Lamine Yamal, saw the Frenchman deliver a cross into the heart of the area that the defense cleared well just as Barça were about to launch a full-scale attack, with Dani Olmo looking to get a shot away.

Barça began to find their rhythm, and the momentum shifted in their favor. But it was a sterile dominance: they lacked the clarity that a player with Pedri's unique talent usually brings. Barça weren't playing badly, but they couldn't find any openings against Racing's deep defensive block. José Alberto, the Cantabrian coach, had devised a very well-organized defensive structure on the pitch, executed effectively thanks to his teammates' hard work and dedication, fueled by the constant support of their fans. The home side remained a threat on the counter-attack. They managed to unsettle Barça, propelled by the speed and persistence of Suleiman, Arana, and Guliashvili. It was more of a threat than a clear danger, a ghost reminding Barça that they couldn't afford to be distracted. The first half ended goalless. Flick's team's last clear chance was a curling shot from Marc Bernal that went wide.

Fermín and Ferran do the hardest thing

The second half began with a bang. Ekzieta made a fine save from a Rashford shot across goal, after the Argentine had latched onto a through ball from Lamine Yamal. Yamal himself was next to test the keeper, but he was again thwarted by a good save from the Navarrese goalkeeper. Barça came out after the restart determined to do what the game's script demanded if they wanted a happy ending: increase the pace of their passing. The Blaugrana also pressed harder for the opposition's build-up play. They needed a goal, the decisive one needed to break down the home side's impenetrable defense. Mantilla cleared a dangerous cross from Lamine Yamal almost off the line, and Yamal then took advantage of the resulting corner to attempt an Olympic goal. The Barça star wanted to start putting the tie to bed, and Flick's men wouldn't have to wait long to do so.

Fermín, who had only been on the pitch for a handful of minutes, replacing Bernal, threaded a pinpoint pass, the kind that should be measured with a ruler and set square. Ferran Torres, who exquisitely detects space, converted it into a superb goal after feinting past the goalkeeper and sending the ball into the back of the net. It would be the Valencian's last action in the match, a game that hadn't been easy against the Cantabrians' resolute defense, but he did the hard part: opening the scoring. Flick then brought on his attacking trio: Raphinha, Pedri, and Lewandowski entered the Sardinero pitch to seal the tie. Racing, proud and spurred on by their fans, who were roaring in the stands, stepped up their game and emerged from their defensive shell with purpose.

Suleiman, taking advantage of a lapse in concentration from Gerard, was the first to attempt a comeback for the home side, but Kounde blocked his shot. With Racing forced to push forward, Barça had more space to move the ball around and try to unsettle their opponents, but they couldn't create any clear-cut chances. The game was far from over at 0-1: there were still 25 minutes to play, and the home side showed why they are the leaders of the Second Division, putting up a strong fight. Lozano, in an offside position, found the net. The goal was disallowed, but it served as a clear warning. In fact, the home side scored again, but the goal was once more ruled out for offside. Lozano had a clear opportunity in stoppage time, but he misjudged his shot, firing powerfully but straight at Joan. With Racing committed to attack, Lamine Yamal sealed the victory on the counter-attack. Racing proudly fell to a Barça side that is now a little closer to retaining the Cup title.